The Cleveland Browns just snatched first place in their division, pulling off a wild 13-10 victory over the Ravens with a game-winning 37-yard field goal right as time ran out. What a way to move into the top spot.
Defense Wins Championships, and Sometimes Games
Honestly, it was a defensive slugfest for the Browns. Their D absolutely showed up, keeping the Ravens in check for most of the game. But man, the offense? Woof. Only 46 total yards in the first 30 minutes. You gotta wonder what was going on in that locker room at halftime, because they were doing next to nothing on that side of the ball. It felt like they were playing catch-up from the jump.
Szmyt’s Wild Ride: From Miss to Redemption
Things finally clicked in the second half, though. Andre Szmyt got them on the board with a 48-yard field goal to kick things off after the break. Then, talk about a break! Derrick Henry coughed it up in Baltimore territory early in the fourth, and Cleveland scooped it at the 35. Audric Estime, who literally just joined the team this week, cashed that in with a 2-yard touchdown run, tying it up at 10-10. And Szmyt? The guy had made 25 straight field goals dating back to last season before his miss. He actually missed another 48-yarder wide left with just over three minutes left in the fourth. Brutal. But clutch is clutch. Jerry Jeudy made a huge 33-yard catch on third-and-5 to the Baltimore 29 to set him up, and Szmyt nailed the 37-yarder as time expired. Redemption story, anyone?
Jeudy and Watson Step Up When It Matters
Jerry Jeudy was the big playmaker on offense when it counted, leading the team with four catches for 69 yards, including that massive 33-yard grab that set up the game-winner. Deshaun Watson went 16-of-26 for 164 yards through the air, and added 29 yards on eight carries. Not exactly a highlight reel, but enough to get the job done when the defense locks it down and you need a couple of critical plays.
So yeah, the Browns are in first place. That’s a huge statement game, especially snagging it on the road against a divisional rival. You gotta respect that kind of grind. This one definitely puts the rest of the AFC North on notice, and it’s going to be interesting to see how they respond after this kind of gritty victory.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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